Lupus (Nephrology)

Acute

What is Lupus?

Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. This attack causes inflammation, and in some cases permanent tissue damage, which can be widespread – affecting the skin, joints, heart, lung, kidneys, circulating blood cells, and brain.

  • Rashes.
  • Chest pain.
  • Hair loss.
  • Sun or light sensitivity.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Muscle and joint pain. You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling.
  • Fever. A fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit affects many people with lupus.
  • Skin scarring.
  • Joint deformities.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Stroke.
  • Heart attack.
  • Pregnancy complications.
  • Cataracts.
  • Hip destruction (also called avascular necrosis)
  • Immune and Inflammatory Influences.
  • Genes. Research shows that certain genes play a role in the development of lupus.
  • Environment. Exposure to certain factors in the environment – such as viral infections, sunlight, certain medications, and smoking – may trigger lupus.
  • Class 1, or minimal mesangial lupus nephritis.
  • Class 2, or proliferative mesangial lupus nephritis.
  • Class 3, or focal lupus nephritis.
  • Class 4, or diffuse lupus nephritis.
  • Class 5, or membranous lupus nephritis.
  • Class 6, or advanced sclerosing lupus nephritis.

You might be able to prevent and reduce lupus flare-ups by avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms, including: Avoiding sun exposure: Spending too much time in the sun can trigger lupus symptoms in some people. Try to avoid going outside when the sun is brightest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)

  • Gender: Even though anyone can get lupus, it most often affects women.
  • Age: Lupus can occur at any age, but most are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s.
  • Race: Lupus is two to three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, help reduce mild pain and swelling in joints and muscles.
  • Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids (prednisone) may help reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

In some cases, it's necessary to test a small sample of kidney tissue to determine what the best treatment might be. The sample can be obtained with a needle or through a small incision. Skin biopsy is sometimes performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

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